PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

How many of you went home the same day of surgery and how many had to stay overnight or longer?

Is anyone being banded in May? My surgery date is May 3rd. I am starting to get a little nervous, but I know this is the best decision I have ever made! Any tips or suggestions for pre-op and post-op from all welcomed!!

Hi! I live in Georgia and have been referred by a friend to Dr. Champion. I talked to his office, and she told me that my insurance, BCBS of Illinois will cover the surgery, but I have to go through six months of a diet plan recorded by my doctor. So I am seeing my doctor tomorrow to start the six months. I hate that I have to wait that long, but maybe it is a good thing that I will have that long to really think about it and research. Honestly, I can't believe I am actually considering this. I never thought I would volunteer for any type of surgery, but I have to do something while I am young before I end up really bad off. The thing is, my husband and I really want t…

Ok here goes... When you have the gas after surgery, does it go away after sometime or will having gas continue to be a problem, and if so is the gas the type that just stays in you or do you fart and does it smell? I dont mean to sound nasty but I work in a cubicle with other people and was wondering if I was going to be having embarrassing issues that I should apolgize for beforehand. They know Im having the surgery so I think if I tell them of the side effects they will understand if they start to become a issue. :embarassed:

Yesterday when released from the Hospital, I was given a Script for "Pre-natal Vitamins" (chewable) So my Son dropped off the Script for me, then called me and said, they had to order them, and they would have them in the Morning, no problem. So I call CVS this Morning, asked if they had my Script, "yes we do you can come anytime to pick it up" Great. So I go pick it up, come home open it, and Chew away...Holy Mother of God!!! They gave me the Wrong Ones!!! Not the Chewables...Do you have any idea what these things taste like? Well let me tell you, they taste like Old Rotten Dead Fish...So now I have this taste in my mouth, nose, every time I Burp, there it is!!!…

A friend of mine who was banded two years ago gave me great advice. She said to start taking a stool softener, such as colace, right away. Between the drugs in the hospital and the lack of solid foods she said she was in real trouble, that her doctor was going to have to "go in there manually" and was in terrible pain. I was banded Thursday and started on colace Friday and I took my first poo today! :biggrin1: I feel so much better.... :clap2:

Maybe this will be helpful, I know I am interested! I am 3 1/2 months post-op Breakfast- same as every day, coffee with heavy cream and most of a Slim Fast shake. I can't manage solids in the am Lunch- Artichoke, boiled until it's really soft with mayonaise, I aslo had some Beano drops. 3 thin slices dry salami Dinner- going out, will have home smoked salmon from the starter menu, it comes with garlic aioli and toast points. I usually only have one of the toast points. While husband and children are having salads and starters I will enjoy 2 glasses of wine. I will also eat one bite of dessert if someone orders one. Tonight- most likely a scoop of lime sorb…

:help: I'm just starting to eat real foods again which is exciting and scary at the same time. I'm logging everything I eat into a great site called my daily plate.com. Here's the thing, how many calories do I take in ? I'm 5'10 and 345 right now. My starting weight was 359. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. :hungry:

Hey there I had a sweet friend ask me if I had "Any Regrets"....I thought I would share part of the email with you all and see what you think too. I really try hard not to tell about the litenay of problems that I have had since being banded 3 years ago. Regrets...there are days that I regret the banding, but I NEVER regret the loss. I would do it again to lose the weight. Later in this message I am going to list the problems that I have had....I think then you will understand my point. Here goes the list...brace yourself! Port distention - my port has surfaced due to the weight loss....very common. Gallbladder Attacks - Again very common with hight weightloss…

Well, after all the whining and complaining, I found out yesterday that I DO have moderate sleep apnea. :notagree I could not believe it! They want another sleep study with the CPAP to see how it does but I won't be able to do it before surgery which shouldn't matter (I asked). Just goes to show how much I really know about myself!!! I also have that restless leg syndrome thing...anyone else? I kinda knew that one but they said there are some meds you can take for it. So class what have we learned? Do all the test and smile, you may learn something you never knew!! Have a great day! Jodi

Hello Everyone! I haven't been banded yet, but my first pre-op appointments and testing are scheduled for about a month from now, and I am so over-studied in banding it's rediculous! Now I'm onto the "What-if" scenarios,lol. I was wondering if anyone knows how long after being banded and after fills it takes until you're allowed to swim in a public (gross, I know!) pool. Swimming is the only way by big butt can excerise right without me being afraid that I'm going to work myself right into a heart-attack! I can barely tie my shoes without keeling over! :faint:I would assume that once the wounds from the surgury are mostly healed, any chemicals in the pool …

Anyone here?

hi friends... You are all such a wealth of information...Any ideas for me? I was sick last week with a bad flu and from staying in bed for a few days, I really pulled my back out. I usually do a regiment of Aleve for a few days and I am back to normal. But we are not supposed to take ibuprofen or naproxsyn sodium with the band. Now I know you are all going to say that I need to call the doctor, but is there any over the counter stuff that you can recommend in the meantime? the Tylenol just isn't cutting it and I can barely move. It stinks!

Hi Y'all I've been banded since 1/24/07 I've lost 36lbs. I've had 2 fills one on 2/26 and the other yesterday. For the past 2 weeks the scale has been stuck on the same weight. Everyday I weigh myself and it's the same 3lbs I'm not eating over 900 calories a day. the doc only put .6cc in my band yesterday so now I have a total of 1.8cc in my 4cc band and I can't feel any difference. I'm still hungry. How soon can you go back for another fill? And any advice on how to get the scale moving. The obvious answer would be exercise :speechles which I'm still not a huge fan of but, i am working on it. Also is it possible that my fill did nothing? Or is it in my …

These helped me. Cold Avacado Soup, In a blender puree 2-3 ripe avacados, about 1/4 c prepared mashed potatos, juice of 1 lime, 1/2 tsp cumin and 2-3 cups organic chicken broth. Tomato Basil Soup, heat 2 cups organic chicken broth, 2 cups organic tomato juice, and some finely chopped basil. (I use the pre chopped in a tupe from the produce dept). When heated stir in 1/2 c half and half and 1 T butter, add a little black pepper to taste.

I read on here about how restriction feels and it is 'uncomfortable'. can someone describe in pre-op terms what this feels like? Does uncomfortable mean 'pain' or is it like you've overeaten? Thanks Eric

I'm now 3 weeks post-op and have finally progressed to stage 4 of my diet. Which includes tuna, chicken salad, lean meats & deli meats, canned fruits, cooked veggies, eggs, crackers etc. For lunch I had 2 tbls of chicken salad on 4 low fat wheat thins and for dinner I had a 2oz. meatball in tomato sauce. I'M IN HEAVEN!!! :clap2:

i was banded on march 7th and i have back pain bad espicially afer i eat and i am taking gas x - this back pain is unbearable - they did a cat scan and did not find anything - i cant hardly stand the pain - is any one else having this pain.

Hi All, just wondering if it is ok to eat before having a fill or if I should skip the food.... my fill is at 9:30 am so I would be skipping breakfast.... any advise will be greatly appreciated. thanks

Hi, can anyone tell me why we are asked to eat only cottage cheese and yogurt for two weeks pre-op?? I am diabetic, is it safe to do this? If I do not eat at regular intervals i feel sick and dizzy... I cant imagine trying to sustain myself stictly on yogurt (I can not eat cottage cheese it makes me gag!!) :faint:

I just found out yesterday I have a haitel hernia. I don't know how bad yet, I only know I'm having a hard time swallowing. I go to the dr again soon, but am wondering if I can try to shoot for the surgical repair and have the band done at the same time. Does anyone have any advice here? I'm thinking that if I can get my gastrointerologist to refer me for surgery for the hernia then I can get the surgeon to throw in the lapband for a small fee. and will that hernia affect the band in a negative way? I sure don't want to live with chronic reflux from the hernia and the band putting pressure on it. thanks for any tips...Kathy

How difficult was it for any of you to urinate on the day of your surgery? How long did it take some of you? thanks

I am 2 weeks post-op and introduced runny mashed potatoes last night. They like sat in the back of my throat and I kept thinking I hope I don't PB. How long after you eat do you PB if it is going to happen? I waited 45 minutes and then tried to drink to wash them down. If you pass 45 minutes can you consider yourself safe? Thanks Wendy

Hello Everyone, I had surgery on 3/29 and my scale is telling me that I have not lost any weight. I initially had lost about 6lbs, but now I am back at the weight I was the day of the surgery. I must admit that I have not been drinking the Protein shakes....could this be my problem? I know that I am not eating over 1000 calories a day, so I can't figure out why I am not losing??? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Apralfool

I am on the PreOp diet and have gained weight. Before starting, I ate 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch. Breakfast was a small low-fat yogurt, a little bit of low sugar granola and a banana or some other fruit. Lunch as usually out while at work. Normally places like Luby's, where I never get fried foods. Rarely ever did I get anything fried. I am a big salad lover with a vinegarette dressing. Now that I have been having a little breakfast (2 of what is on the allowed list), a sensible lunch (tilapia or some other sensible meat), and those 2 shakes (made with 8 oz of skim milk), I have gained 2 pounds. I am not eating sweets, I haven't been eating stuff that I sh…

how gross is pureed meat? i mean if i make tuna salad and puree it, what should i use to moisten it ff mayo? or do i need to add some sort of broth? sounds sooo gross to me, so iwas planning on sticking to cheese,etc...but i really want meat,,,,will it end up as applesause consistency or thicker?

I notice alot of post where people are saying that they have gas and air and discomfort after surgery. Does any one else use a c-pap machine? Does it make it worse or not really affect the amount of gas and air. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as I have surgery on the 24th of April 07. Thanks Lost_Secret

Today I was given my pre-op screening date of 5/17/07. Needless to say, I am getting scared :omg: . I have read so many post, maybe too many. They have all been candid and helpful, but suddenly the reality of surgery is setting in. 90% of the post are positive, but of course the closer I get, that 10% is looming large. I am afraid of the incisions, the healing, the scarring. However, I am mostly afraid of the chewing as I am a gulper. I think I chew twice and then down the chute. :hungry: I started practicing and found my jaw hurt after chewing more than five times. Also I have RA and the pain meds are fairly large, oh heck :faint: I am stressing. Seems so dra…

Does anyone know of a tasteless protein I can put into water or juice or something so that I can get more protein in my diet. I am at the mushy stage and by my calculations I am getting probably 20+ grams a day of protein but I should probably be getting about 40 at this point. THe protein shakes are not something I can see myself eating long term so is there some solution?

I need to know what happens if you self pay for your lap band but then you have unexpected complications occur i.e. a heart attack, a stroke, band slippage, erosion, etc. that you did not budget for............ Couldn't these possibly leave you and your family bankrupt if you had to pay for these out of pocket? Please advise.

does anyone take certain foods in their purse/car for when you are on the go and don't have alot of time? i'm starting to worry that my fast paced lifestyle is going to be a problem when it comes to eating. one of my biggest problems is shoveling in food because i am in such a hurry all the time....so the question is: is there anything great to keep with you all the time just in case? thanks y'all!:help:

Can you ever eat bread, pasta, or rice, with the lapband? Just curious.

Hi everyone, Does anyone have any suggestions to get my energy level up ? It's 5pm I"m still at work & I"m tired as can be. I started my liquid diet on Monday 04/02/07 and have surgery scheduled for 4/9/07 --Not having major issues w/ cravings or anything just really tired- I'm doing the atkins shakes & mixing my own for variety using the pure whey but energy level still VERY low.. Ana :tired

Do I need to remove the steril strips over my insicions, or they will fall off:confused: I can't remember what the Doc. said, I guess I'll call him tomorrow:phanvan

:help: I Just got home from Hospt. from having Lap band surg. I heel like im not getting enough nutrition in me. I know im on Clear liquids but im barly getting 100 cals. down a day. can someone tell me what there first few days where like as far as eatting. Im also alittle unsure of hom much i sould be drinking at one time because its taking me ten to fifteen min. to get once ounce down.... is that normal? Im up and walking but it feels like a horse is sitting on my chest the pain is at a five out of ten.....How long untill I see light at the end of the tunnel. any :help: would be great thanks in advance Gina B.

I hear everyone talking about pb'ing and I can say that is the one thing really making me terrified of going through the surgery... Does that mean getting food stuck? How does one get "unstuck"? Can you actually choke? I may be panicking for nothing but it kind of has me spooked... Are there any people to who that does not happen? Is it very common? I've read that it is really gross and gooey. Will this be something I have to worry about all the time? I felt really positive and now I'm not so sure... Maybe I am being a wuss... Afterall I've had four kids (2 c-sections and 2 Forceps... Major suffering, big babies) Sorry if I am going on about this...:faint: …

I just wanted to share...I'm 10 days post op (4/8/07) and still on Full Liquids. :hungry: We stopped to get something to eat and I thought I'd try ordering soup. I figured at worse I could sip out the broth. Well we went to T.G.I.FRIDAY'S. I ordered the French Onion soup and asked if they could blend it up for me and they happily did! It was Delicious!!! And I was able to eat with the Family!:clap2: I tolerated the soup well and lunch was a success!

Han anyone eaten applesauce or pudding during the pre surgery liquid diet? Do they have us do this diet so we can be used to not being able to eat solid food for a couple weeks after surgery? Im doing good with liquid, but I ate applesauce and pudding today cause i was so damn hungry. Has anyone else just like cut way back on solid food and only eaten like pudding and jello and stuff up to their surgery date?

Just curious as to why we need to see a physical therapist ??? I have my appt next week but may have to cancel since I don't think the ins will pay for two PTs. I am having PT on a severely sprained ankle with a different place. Hmmm..... Goldthimble:help:

After I ate today I had a strange feeling in my chest and my left shoulder started to hurt. Is this an indication of eating too much?

The nurse practitioner at my surgeon's office told me at least 60g of protein and 1,000-1,100 calories per day. I have been doing good with staying in the range for both but I think I am eating too many carbs. I have to do a better job with my selection of frozen dinners (like Healthy Choice and Lean Cuisine) and cut back on the high carbitems (noodles, rice) that come in some of them. It's hard to take all of this into consideration when selecting foods and I had been focusing more on calories and protein. I am looking for an idea or a range of how many carbs per day is considered good with the band.:help: Thanks to whoever suggested fitday.com. I have been using it…

I have been on mushy foods for a week now. When I was on liquids I know it was liquids in, liquids out...but now on mushies its solids in and major difficulty coming out. I find myself pushing and then I feel searing (yet manageable) pains in my port area. Am I hurting my stomach or pulling stitches by struggling to have a BM? Should I start taking laxatives? Is this a bad sign???:omg:

Has anyone tried the Ensure or Boost shakes? If you have another preference please advise. Thanks!!! :help:

is the tanning bed okay after surgery?

Okay so I had a consult and was given my list >nutrition consult, that was not too hard, I found one about an hour away and have an appt next wednesday, $110.00 but I think that sounded reasonable...easy enough >letter from pcp and blood work, I have an appt with my PCP this week...simple >get psych eval---------Well, I called the the mental health professional that was closest to me on the list that my surgeon gave me and she said that she would probably want to see me a minimum of 3 visits before doing the report for my surgery!!! Each visit is $90 and on top of that the cost for the letter/report is a flat fee of $150. This seems excessive to me. …

Hi all, I am just beginning to consider the Lap Band and research it. I have read about PB, sliming, foaming, vomiting, post op pain and gas, hunger while doing the liquid diet stages, etc. What I would really like to know is how do you feel on down the road with the lap band. Are u starving the entire time you are losing? Do you get to a point where you eat less but don't feel gnawing insatiable hunger? Please let me know - is it really worth it?

Hello :help: I am planning to attend a lap-band seminar on April 16th. (Dr. Benevides--Richardson, TX) Could you give me a list of ALL of the specific questions that I need to ask or give me a link to a thread or post. I don't know what I should or shouldn't ask.....I asking those who have been banded and know much more than I do Thanks.....

I'm just about 3 weeks post-op and I started having the back/shoulder/neck pain on the left side again. Is this normal to have it return?

Hi there, I am scheduled to have my lap band fitted on April 26th! I am so excited but I need to get myself organised for when I get home after my op. Has anyone any suggestions on what I should have stocked in the house. I will have dinners in the freezer for my DH and DS so they will be well looked after but I just would appreciate any advice as to what I should have ready for myself when I get out of hospital. Thanks, Brenners

Not sure if this was asked someplace else, I didn't see it, if so sorry. How long did it take from consultation to surgery? If you were not self pay and did not have to appeal, how long did it take to be banded after you saw your surgeon? Thanx in advance